By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – It will probably take a week or so before a new fire chief will be decided upon for the city of Chehalis after tomorrow’s day of interviewing the three finalists, according to Chehalis City Manager Merlin MacReynold.
Jeff Larson
The change comes almost six months after the departure of halftime chief, Jim Walkowski who was also head of neighboring Riverside Fire Authority in Centralia but moved to Spokane County to take a new job. Capt. Rob Gebhart is serving as interim chief.
MacReynold said the city interviewed about a half dozen candidates and any one of the three remaining could do the job.
“But what’s important is they’re a good fit for the community,” MacReynold said.
Joseph Sands
Which is why tomorrow each will be interviewed by four different panels and then by MacReynold. Then at 4:30 p.m., the city council and the public will get to meet them, he said.
“At the council meeting, we’ll have them get up and talk about their experience and why they’re interested in coming to Chehalis,” he said.
The pay is in the high $80,000s per year, according to MacReynold. The Chehalis Fire Department has 14 employees.
The three men are:
Gary Woodson
• Jeff Larson, who for the past 13 years has been fire suppression battalion chief with the city of Lodi, California. Involved in the fire service almost 30 years.
• Joseph Sands is an engineer-paramedic in Billings, Montana, serving previously in several locations in positions that have included assistant chief and interim chief. Has more than 22 years experience of emergency service.
• Gary Woodson, former fire chief for Pendleton, Ore. Fire and Ambulance Department where he started in 2010. Involved in the fire service since 1974.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
I agree Malia! The last 2 Chief’s were both “imports.” Kelvin Johnson was a joke and retired after 5 years….Smooth move Chehalis
big shots! The 2nd “stand in” Chief Waloskey” bailed when things got tough. Ruining whatever legacy he had here with his double handed exit. I’m wondering if the 20 + year Chehalis Veterans don’t stand up for the job because they don’t want to deal with the Chehalis City BS and the BS council members!? Just a thought.
I think they are making a huge mistake bringing in someone from outside to be at the top..they did that when the previous Chehalis Fire Chief left.. and they have guys there that have been there for as long as these candidates have been in service as well…The only difference is THEY HAVE BEEN HERE with Station 48 for OVER 20 Years! I think it is a Slap in the face to hand it to someone that is not already part of the team. The interim chief is one that would definitely get my vote.